Active learning ideas
Teleological arguments, or arguments from design, look at the complexity and order of the universe to infer a designer. Students study Aquinas' Fifth Way, Paley's watchmaker analogy, and Swinburne's modern argument from temporal order. This topic is central to the A-Level curriculum as it bridges the gap between traditional theology and modern scientific challenges like Darwinian evolution.
Activity 01
Students are given a variety of objects (some natural, some man-made) and must list the features that suggest 'design'. They then apply these criteria to a complex natural system, like the human eye, to see if Paley's analogy remains robust.
Does the complexity of the universe imply a designer?
Activity 02
A formal debate where students use Hume's specific objections (e.g., the 'unique case' or the 'vegetable' analogy) to challenge Paley's watchmaker. This requires students to apply abstract criticisms to a concrete argument.
How does Hume challenge the analogy of the watchmaker?
Activity 03
Students consider whether the theory of evolution by natural selection completely 'defeats' the design argument or if a 'designer' could work through the process of evolution. They share their conclusions with a partner before a wider class discussion.
Can spatial order be explained without a divine creator?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The design argument is a scientific theory.
While it uses empirical observations, it is a philosophical argument about the best explanation for those observations. Hands-on sorting of 'scientific facts' vs 'philosophical inferences' helps students distinguish the two.
Hume was responding directly to Paley.
Hume wrote his critiques before Paley published his watchmaker analogy. Clarifying this timeline through a collaborative chronology helps students understand that Hume's objections are directed at the general logic of design, not just one book.
Methods used in this brief
The Concept and Nature of God
Students examine the traditional divine attributes, including omniscience, omnipotence, and supreme goodness. They will analyse the logical coherence of these concepts and potential paradoxes.
8 methodologies
Ontological Arguments
An exploration of a priori arguments for God's existence, focusing on Anselm, Descartes, and Malcolm. Students will evaluate criticisms from Gaunilo and Kant.
8 methodologies
Cosmological Arguments
A study of arguments from causation and contingency, including Aquinas' First and Third Ways, and Descartes' cosmological argument. Students will assess objections regarding infinite regress.
8 methodologies